Usman Khawaja quits Sydney Thunder over personal issues
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Australia star batsman Usman Khawaja ended his long-lasting association with the Sydney Thunder that started from the very first year of the Big Bash League in 2011, with one year still left on his current contract, decides to leave the franchise owing to family reasons.
Australia star batter Usman Khawaja has ended his long-lasting association with the Sydney Thunder that started from the very first year of the Big Bash League in 2011, with one year still left on his current contract, decides to leave the franchise owing to family reasons.
Khawaja, who is the highest run-scorer with 1818 runs in just 59 fixtures, called it the toughest call to leave the franchise if it had not been of family. He’s taking this unfortunate decision to stay close to Brisbane, which is his hometown, to stay with his wife Rachel who is having her impending second child.
“I hate talking about the decision I’ve made… it’s the toughest call I’ve made as a cricketer because Sydney Thunder, the players, the coaching and support staff, and the club’s supporters mean so much to me,”
Khawaja said in a statement.
“However, it is for family reasons, and while I’m leaving, people who know me realize a big part of my heart will always remain with Thunder. I don’t want people to think I’ve cut my ties with Sydney Thunder because I’ll always care about the club, the players, the entire organization.”
“A part of that is because I believe I helped shape Thunder from the start. In many ways Sydney Thunder is, to me, like a baby I’ve watched grow and develop,”
he added.
Cricket New South Wales’ Head of Male Cricket, Michael Klinger explained that the board was offering him a new competitive contract but they also respect his decision to quit over family reasons.
“It’s disappointing because Usman is such a well-respected member of Thunder,”
said Klinger.
“Sydney Thunder and CNSW definitely wanted him to stay, and we offered a highly competitive contract. However, we appreciate Usman’s decision has been made for his family, and we respect and support that.
“Usman leaves Sydney Thunder with our best wishes for the future. He’s a foundation player who leaves a legacy as a great competitor and player, a strong leader, and someone who actively helped Thunder become the club he always believed it could be,”
Klinger added.